Join Compass for a fun, educational morning at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site! Built around 1811, this historic water-powered gristmill offers students a glimpse into 19th-century Virginia life, early engineering, and the simple machines that helped communities thrive.
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Date: Friday, October 23
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location Name: Colvin Run Mill Historic Site
Address: 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA, 22066
Ages/Grades: Pre-K-1st (4-6 years old) and 2nd-6th (7-12 years old)
Parents & Siblings: Three (3) parent chaperones are needed. Parent chaperones must pay a $11.00 entrance fee and may not have other, younger children accompanying them. Other than the designated chaperones, parents and younger siblings cannot be accommodated on the educational tours. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to explore the beautiful historic grounds, enjoy a leisurely walk, or follow the self-guided walking paths while waiting for the educational programs to conclude. There is no cost for parents/siblings who are exploring the grounds.
Cost: $20.00- students, $11.00- chaperones
Program Description: Two programs will run concurrently. In Simple Machines (grades 2-6/ ages 7-12), students will explore the historic mill, barn, and general store while learning about engineering, force, motion, and energy. This interactive program includes opportunities to see and use simple machines. Motion in the Mill (PreK-1st grade/ ages 4-6) is a special tour designed for younger students, exploring motion, sound, Virginia history, and life in the past including a fun Then & Now activity in the general store.
Parking & Arrival: Please plan to arrive by 9:45 am.
Notes:
- This is a family field trip and parents (or parent proxies) are expected to remain onsite.
- Students may not be dropped off.
- Late arrivals cannot be accommodated once programming begins.
- Families enrolled in the Simple Machines program (7-12 year olds) will receive a Learning Kit by email prior to the program. This educational resource includes a brief history of the mill, vocabulary, simple machine explanations, and worksheets that families can explore before or after the field trip.
- Pack a lunch and stay after the programs for a casual Compass picnic! Weather permitting, we’ll gather at the picnic area. In case of rain, families may bring blankets and enjoy lunch in the historic barn.
- Participants may not eat snacks during the 90 minute program.
- The programs will run rain or shine.
